grimmy

Anyone taken the Secrets of Westminster Abbey Walks of London tour? Would really appreciate some feedback. TIA
http://www.walks.com/London_Walks_Ho...ult.aspx#12778

beanweb24

I haven't taken this particular tour, but I have now taken 3 of their walks (since July): Sat night pub walk in Hampstead, Greenwich walk, and the Cotswalds. Each of the walks has been really fantastic. The regular walks last about 2.5 hours each and the guides are great - complete experts on their areas, and many are retired actors and are very charming. I would highly recommend any of their walks!

jamikins

Yes I have done it and it was great. They split the groups into groups of either 15 or 25 cant remember, and so the groups arent too big. I did it with my parents in Oct 2008 and would recommend it!

azzure

I would first consider the Verger's tour...or do both, and let us know how they differ!

janisj

I'd first try to pre-book a verger's tour -- and IF your time(s) are booked up/unavailable, then I'd take the London Walks one.

You don't have to pre-book LW - just turn up at the starting point.

lynclarke

I don't know if I would do a Westminster Abbey tour. After the first 100 markers, I was in overload. I got to the point that if the marker was not a Prince or better, I didn't even stop to read it. I had read a guide which was enough overview for me. I found the choir stall seat carvings which were quite humorous. I was ready to find the tomb of the unknown soldier and the exit with in an hour. BUT, if you are a big history buff, then a tour might be perfect for you.

If you have time for tours I would suggest the Tower of London Ceremony of the Keyes. It is free. You have to write for tickets ahead of time. It was guided by a Beefeater and it is very impressive.

My one tip is--if you have not been to the Tower before you go to the Ceremony, then I suggest you go in the daylight and see how to find your transportation afterwards---otherwise you will be searching in the pitch dark.

janisj

lynclarke: " I got to the point that if the marker was not a Prince or better, I didn't even stop to read it. I had read a guide which was enough overview for me."

That is why the verger's tour is so good (as well as the LW ones)

They've winnowed it to what is important/interesting. Doing it on your own, one ends up in the fix you found yourself -- there is too much to see to possibly absorb. The Vergers know what they're doing and keep folks informed AND interested.

"I found the choir stall seat carvings which were quite humorous."

The misericords are amazing - especially when you realize all that carving/effort was never really seen in the dimly lit churches.

P_M

I did take that walk with LW and I enjoyed it very much. I don't know if this is always the case but since we were with an organized tour we were able to bypass all of the lines. I would do it again.

Bazonia

I also took that tour and can recommend it. I was visiting London solo and it was good to be in a group for a change. It was informative and kept my interest. It was also a good length of time, I don't remember it being too long or too exhaustive. The tour guide was knowledgeable, well-spoken and amusing.
I had visited the Abbey twice before with my Michelin guide, and so knew some of the basics - but I learned a great deal more.
I would take another walking tour with that company if I went back.
Baz